Life + Culture

Thankful for These Professionals

Celebrating the teachers, veterans, and nurses whose courage, compassion, and commitment make our communities stronger. Article by Heather L. King and Kellene Ricks Adams November gives us an opportunity to honor and thank those whose professions touch others every day and recognize the people whose work makes our communities stronger. On Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the men and women who have served in our nation’s military—and the families who have supported them along the way. Their...

Health + Wellness

Season of Gratitude

Things to Be Thankful for in the Jordan River Area Article by Kellene Ricks Adams and Heather L. King You don’t have to look very far to find things to appreciate here in the Jordan River area. From the beautiful mountain views, a favorite neighborhood restaurant, a city celebration, or a neighbor lending a helping hand. It’s the season to gather with the people we love and appreciate the places that make our everyday lives feel a little more special. Take a crisp afternoon walk along the...

Home Services

Lighting Up Utah Homes

Utah native Matt Romero couldn’t find permanent holiday lights he loved, so he built Lux Lights to do it better. Article by Kellene Ricks Adams | Photography by courtesy of Lux Lights Matt Romero didn’t plan to go into the outdoor lighting business, but when he wanted lights for his own house, he couldn’t find anything he liked. So he founded the company he was looking for. Since March 2021, his company, Lux Lights, has installed permanent, app-controlled lighting that’s nearly invisible by...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Dolce Vita

Happy Hour at North Italia Article by Heather L. King | Photography by courtesy of North Italia Need a girl dinner with your bestie before the holidays book up your calendars or an after-work destination to wind down? Weekday afternoons just got an Italian upgrade at North Italia with happy hour specials that deliver a delicious lineup of shareable bites and discounted drinks. Available Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. at the 18-seat bar, the happy hour menu—with prices range from $10 to...

Food + Beverage

Flavors of Thailand

Tuk Tuk’s continues to win over Utah diners with authentic Thai and Lao flavors. Article and Photography by Heather L. King The first things that greet guests at the Riverton location of Tuk Tuk’s are warm smiles, a welcoming interior followed by friendly service. That spirit of hospitality has helped transform Tuk Tuk’s from a west-side neighborhood favorite into one of Utah’s most celebrated Thai restaurants. Now, with its newest location serving the rapidly growing southwest valley...

Food + Beverage

Need a Little Redemption?

This south valley hot spot might just save you. Article by Mike Bean | Photography by Redemption Bar & Grill Walking into Redemption Bar & Grill in Herriman, you’ll quickly realize it isn’t your average watering hole. Opening during the global pandemic in June 2020, owners Bryan and Jaime Ellison knew they had to create something extraordinary. They chose a name that stood for hope and second chances. Bryan built the bar on a foundation of giving back. From paying school fees for families in...

Food + Beverage

Taste Utah

Five local food businesses showcase the flavors of Jordan River. Article by Kellene Ricks Adams From farm-fresh foods to handcrafted sweets, meet five local food makers bringing distinctive flavors, family traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit across the valley. Combining family traditions and creative flavors, these entrepreneurs have built delicious homegrown businesses in Utah. Drake Family Farms Six generations of the Drake family have farmed the land that is now home to Drake Family...

Health + Wellness

Trust Your Gut

Why gut health is the foundation of whole-body wellness. Article by Heather L. King | Photography by Jen Fox Photography Certified Nutrition and Gut Health Coach Brandy Price believes better health begins in the gut. As the founder of Beyond the Plate, she helps women move beyond fad diets to uncover the root causes of fatigue, inflammation, hormone imbalances, and digestive issues. Price shares practical, science-backed strategies for nourishing the microbiome and explains how small...

Entertainment

Halloween Magic

Gardner Village’s WitchFest highlights whimsical displays, festive traditions, and Halloween fun. Article by Kellene Ricks Adams | Photography by Gardner Village For more than a quarter century, Gardner Village witches have delighted Jordan Valley families. They perch on rooftops, gather around cauldrons, and turn up in unexpected corners of the historic West Jordan shopping village for the annual WitchFest. The Halloween tradition runs through October 31 with plenty of activities visitors...

Food + Beverage

Texas Smoke, Utah Heart

How LES BBQ brought authentic Texas barbecue and Southern hospitality to Draper. Article by Heather L. King | Photography by LES BBQ When Les Rhodes Jr., first fired up a smoker for friends and family, he wasn’t thinking about opening a restaurant. Barbecue was simply part of who he was. Born in Victoria, Texas, and raised in Houston, Rhodes learned the art of barbecue at a young age. Growing up surrounded by smokers, family gatherings, and generations of Texas barbecue tradition, he...